Pogonomyrmex of the Navajo Reservation

This genus is found throughout the arid desert zones and the mid elevation mesa zones on up to Juniper Pinon Woodlands.

This key to workers is based on

Cole, A. C., Jr. 1968. Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. A study of the genus in North America. Knoxville, Tenn.: University of Tennessee Press, x + 222 pp.

Johnson, R. Key to Pogonomyrmex [[1]]

Taber, S. W. 1998. The world of harvester ants. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University Press, xvii + 213 pp.: 213pp PDF

At present 6 species of Pogonomyrmex are known within the Navajo Reservation, as additional ant species are discovered, they will be added to the key below.

Key to Pogonomyrmex on the Navajo Reservation

(based on the worker caste)

1

In side view, postpetiole enlarged, its height as great or greater than its length, the ventral process conspicuous and bulbous; ventral surface of head with short to medium length hairs forming a more or less distinct psammophore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Profile of Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus worker

Profile of Pogonomyrmex huachucanus worker

In side view, postpetiole relatively small, longer than tall, ventral process weakly developed, not notably bulbous; psammophore well developed, lateroventral surface of head with a ring of conspicuous long hairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Profile of Pogonomyrmex californicus worker

Profile of Pogonomyrmex maricopa worker

Profile of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis worker

2 (1)

Lateral lobe of clypeus with a prominent tooth-like projection below each antennal socket; mesosoma and petiole with short dark, straight hairs . . . . . Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus / Navajo species page)

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus worker

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus worker

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus worker

Lateral lobe of clypeus without a prominent tooth-like projection below each antennal socket; mesosoma and petiole with long white, flexuous hairs. . . .Pogonomyrmex huachucanus / Navajo species page)

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex huachucanus worker

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex huachucanus worker

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex huachucanus worker

3 (1)

Cephalic rugae very coarse, widely spaced, usually wavy. Anteroventral margin of peduncle with one to several erect hairs extending downward, head darker than gaster Pogonomyrmex rugosus / Navajo species page

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex rugosus worker

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex rugosus worker

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex rugosus worker

Anteroventral margin of peduncle lacking erect hairs, head, mesosoma and gaster lighter in color. . . . . 4

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis worker

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex californicus worker

4 (2)

Propodeum with spines, basal tooth of mandible deflected posteriorly . . . . . Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis major

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex occidentalis worker

Propodeum without spines, basal tooth of mandible with same orientation as other teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5 (4)

Cephalic interrugal punctulation rather strong; interrugal spaces subopaque; in lateral view, metanotal groove impressed. . . . . Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Cephalic interrugal punctulation absent to moderate; interrugal spaces strongly shining; in lateral view, metanotal groove usually not impressed, forming a smooth continuous profile. . . . . Pogonomyrmex californicus

Frontal view of Pogonomyrmex californicus

Lateral view of Pogonomyrmex californicus

Dorsal view of Pogonomyrmex californicus